It’s no secret that the theme parks go big for the holidays! From Holly Jolly Christmas parties to imported balloons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the holidays at the theme parks have always been big – and they’re about to get bigger, as Universal Studios Hollywood announces changes and additions to its holiday festivities coming to the park this year!
With the Holidays at the Hollywood park running from Friday, November 29th to Monday, January 6th, guests returning to the park for the festivities will be happy to see sections of the park decked out in family favorites like “Grinchmas,” located in the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood at the Universal Plaza, where guests can step into the world of Who-ville, complete with colorful Christmas decor, live entertainment, and festive activities to help your family celebrate this annual who-bilation!
Complete with a twisting and towering 65-foot who-liday tree decorated with fuzzle fuzz, and whiffler bloofs, and wuzzle wuz, beneath which Whos sing their bouncy who-carols in a doo-wop inspired singing quartet. Tree lightings are held nightly, accompanied by who-festivities and a magical burst of snow cascading down upon Whoville!
In addition to these traditional Grinchmas events, guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch’s Dog, Max! And The Grinch, too, I guess.
Story time with Cindy-Lou Who, who retells the tale of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a dedicated arts and crafts center where guests can create their own paper ornament, and a tour of the Who-wille post office are also part of this year’s who-liday excitement!
Also returning to celebrate the holidays is Christmas at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where traditional holiday cheer has descended upon Hogsmeade and Christmas decor has been hung with care. Twinkling lights, luscious wreaths, and garlands teeming with tinsel and the magical touch of the wizarding world await in this transformation of Hogsmeade Village.
During the day, Hogsmeade Village is teeming with witches and wizards doing their last-minute Christmas shopping, exchanging gifts and goodwill in their wizarding ways, but by night, the village dims, allowing guests to witness the splendor of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts, a spellbinding projection show that takes place against the Hogwarts Castle, dazzling guests with shimmering lights, moving score from the beloved movies, and a touch of holiday magic that brings the centerpiece of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life in a captivating show.
Enjoy this show from select viewing areas with a butterbeer treat – whether it be hot, cold, or frozen! – and experience the magic of Christmas like never before!
Or, if Hogwarts Castle isn’t your idea of a festive time, then perhaps your Princess is in another castle! Check out the new holiday festivities in Super Nintendo World! This year, the Mushroom Kingdom welcomes guests into its colorful land, to help celebrate the Holidays. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad are all excited to spend Christmas with their visitors, old and new, and have decorated the Mushroom Kingdom to celebrate the holiday cheer!
Guests will find a tree at the center of Super Nintendo World topped with a Super Star, as well as festive wreaths and two very familiar-looking snowmen! These unique photo ops are the perfect backdrop for fun family photos to help capture the magic of the Christmas spirit in a fun new way.
Within the Mushroom Kingdom, guests will also be able to find all-new holiday-themed foods and merchandise designed to make the holidays that much sweeter!
And with all this holiday cheer waiting for you inside Universal Studios Hollywood, don’t forget to check out Universal CityWalk! This year, CityWalk will deck the halls with plenty of charming decor and a 40-foot-tall Christmas Tree at the center of its festivities, including live bands at 5 Towers, DJ performances, street performers, and a magical myriad of other live entertainment that will turn the streets of CityWalk into an all-out Christmas party!
Admission to CityWalk is free, and all of the holiday festivities within the park are included with regular admission! With so much going on at Universal Studios Hollywood this holiday season, there’s no question where you’re going to get the most Holly for your Jolly this year!
